Ski lock



Oct. 11, 1966 P. w. POEHLMANN ETAL 3,

SKI LOCK Filed July 13, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR5 PAUL W POE HL MANN BYROBERT B. AN TON/OL/ MM 4? Sal-gawk ATTORNEY Oct. 11, 1966 P. w. POEHLMANN ETAL 3,

SKI LOCK 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS PAUL W POEHLMANN BYPOBERT QgTON/OL/ ATTORNEY Filed July 13, 1964 Oct. 11, 1966 w. POEHLMANN ETAL 3,

SKI LOCK Filed July 13, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 F/G l2 INVENTORS PAUL W POEHLMANN BY ROBERT a ANTON/0L! A T TORNE Y United States Patent Filed July 13, 1964, Ser. No. 382,277 Claims. (Cl. 70-58) This invention relates to a ski lock and, more particularly to a device for locking a pair of skis together in order to discourage the theft thereof.

With the expanding interest and participation in the sport of skiing, ski resorts are becoming more crowded and, as an unfortunate result, the weekend crowds attracted to the winter sport areas are less intimate and, to some extent, impersonal. With this change in complexion, there tends to be a diminished regard for personal property with an increase in the occurrences of theft. Since skis cannot conveniently be carried on the person or kept under surveillance at all times that they are not in use, they are particularly susceptible to theft,

It has long been customary to stand the skis in a snow bank or to lean them against a building while the skier is relaxing or occupied in other pursuits. With increasing frequency during recent years certain persons have taken advantage of the fact that skis were left unattended and have stolen skis for their own use or for resale. This is accomplished easily because the custom of depositing skis while relaxing is so widespread that an observer would not have reason to question the removal of a pair of skis and, of course, being at a ski resort there is no reason to suspect one carrying a pair of skis.

It is therefore, an object of our invention to provide a ski lock device designed to discourage the theft of skis.

It is a further object of our invention to provide a ski lock device that would render a person stealing skis conspicuous.

It is a further object of our invention to provide a device for locking skis together so that they cannot be used without destroying the lock, thereby deterring a would-be thief.

It is a further object of our invention to provide a ski lock device that is not awkward, cumbersome or inconvenient to handle while the skis are in use.

In carrying out this invention, we provide a ski lock device made up of a pair of interlocking elements each of which is secured directly to one of a pair of skis. When the interlocking elements are engaged, the skis can be separated only if first moved relative to each other in generally parallel planes. However, while they are so engaged, lock members on the elements are aligned and a padlock or a built-in lock is operated to lock the elements against such movement that would permit them to become disengaged. When the lock elements are engaged, the skis are preferably disposed in diverging or criss-cross relationship so that they are more difiicult to carry and, of course, unfit for use. Moreover, with the skis so disposed, a thief would appear conspicuous carrying them away, particularly when the function and purpose of our ski lock becomes widely known. Thus, the ski lock is a substantial deterrent to would-be thieves. A further deterrent resides in the fact that a thief has to destroy the lock before he can use the skis. Such destruction of the lock would be apparent and could render the skis themselves subject to question should he attempt to sell or use the skis himself.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the specification following when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective showing a pair of skis that are interlocked in criss-cross relationship in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial perspective view showing the interlocking elements of one form of ski lock device of this invention;

FIG. 3 is a view in perspective showing the elements of the ski lock of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are vertical section views showing the elements of a ski lock in separated and fully engaged position, respectively;

G. 6 is a perspective view of another form of ski lock;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial perspective view showing a criss-cross pair of skis with engaged ski lock elements of another form;

FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11 are perspective views showing the operation of the ski lock device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the application of another form of this invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the elements of the form of invention shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a section view taken along line 1414 of FIG. 12; and

FIG. :15 is a view showing the elements of still another form of this invention.

Referring now to the drawings more specifically, and particularly to FIGS. 1 to 5, we have shown a pair of skis 2 and 3 with ski poles 5, all of which are locked together by our ski lock device 6 hereinafter to be described. It will be noted that the skis 2 and 3 when so united are disposed in criss-cross relationship so that they ous should he attempt to transport them away.

In the embodiment of our invention shown in FIG. 2, the ski lock device 6 comprises a pair of elements 8 and 10 each of which is secured to the top flat surface of a ski 2 and 3 as by means of screws 12 and 14. The lock element 8 is formed with a planar bracket portion 16, in which are formed the holes 12a to accommodate the screws 12, and a channel-like receptacle portion 18 having an open end 19. At the trailing end of the bracket 16 is an upwardly extending lock panel 20 having a slot 22.

The other lock element 10 also includes a flat bracket portion 23 with screw holes 14a, but in addition is formed with a downwardly and rearwardly extending tongue 24 having an opening 25 therethrough which provides access to the screw 14. The tongue 24 is adapted to engage within the opening 19 in the receptacle 18 on the first lock element 8 so that the elements cannot be separated by moving them transversely relative to each other. Also, at the trailing end of the bracket 12 is an upright lock panel 26 having an enlarged slot 27.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, we have illustrated the manner in which the ski lock of FIG. 2 is operated. First the skis are arranged so that they oppose each other in criss-cross relationship though somewhat spaced as shown in FIG. 4. As so arranged, the brackets 8 and 10 are disposed generally parallel to each other with the rearward'ly extending tongue 24 spaced above and in front of the receptacle 18. Then, the skis are brought together so that the tongue 24 is inserted into the opening 19 of the receptacle 18. Then the ski 3 is moved rearward'ly with respect to ski 2 until the upwardly extending lock tabs 20 and 26 are adjacent each other with slots 22 and 27 in alignment. The alignment of the slots is facilitated by virtue of the fact that the slots are enlarged. When so disposed, a paddock 30 ('FIGS. 2 and 5) may be hooked through the straps 5a of the ski poles and around and through the aligned slots 22 and 27 of the lock panels 20 and 26. When the lock is then snapped shut, the ski straps and poles are locked in place and the ski lock elements 8 and 10 are held securely against relative lineal movement which is-requisite to their removal.

In FIG. 6 we have shown a similar form of ski lock comprising a pair of brackets 32 and 34, each including screw holes 36 for attachment thereof to each of a pair of skis. A downwardly and rearwandly extending tongue 38 is engageable in a complementary rece tacle 40 on the lower bracket 34 as in the first embodiment. However, in this particular form, an integral lock 42 is built into the lower bracket 34. The lock 42 may include a spring biased detent 44 which may be retracted and then engaged in a slot 46 in a lock panel on the upper bracket. A key hole 44:: permits operation of a suitable lock mechanism to hold the spring biased detent in its extended position.

In the embodiment of our invention shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 a pair of skis 5-2 and 53 are again secured in crisscross relationship by the ski lock 50. The eiements of this ski lock 54 and 56 again are provided with screw holes 58 for direct attachment to the skis and each includes an upwardly extending lock panel 60 and 61, respectively.

In this embodiment, each element 54 and 56 is provided with a central, raised portion 63 and 64 respectively. A pin 66 is secured to the elevated portion 63 of the element 54 to extend therefrom and on the top of the pin 66 is an enlarged head 68. In the elevated portion 64 of element 56 is formed a slot 70 slightly wider than the shank of the pin 66 and the slot 7 opens into an enlarged hole 72 which is large enough to receive the enlarged head 63 of the pin 66. On one of the elements 54 we provide an upstanding stop member 74 for a purpose hereinafter to be described.

The operation of this embodiment is illustrated in sequence in FIGS. 8 and 10. First the element 54 is engaged with the element 56 by bringing them together so that the enlarged head 68 of the pin 66 passes through the enlarged opening 72 whereby the lock elements are in the relationship shown in FIG. 9. Then, the lock elements 54 and 56 are moved relative to each other by sliding the pin 66 lineally along the slot 70 to the position shown in FIG. 10. Finally, the skis and hence the elements 54 and 56 are rotated relative to each other until the lock panel 61 of element 56 engages the stop member 74 on the element 54. In the position so determined by the stop 74, the desired criss-oross relationship of the skis is achieved and the lock-receiving slots 60a and 61a are in alignment.

It will be noted that the lock panel 61 of the element 56 is disposed inward of the lock panel 60 on the other element 54 so that relative lineal movement between the pin 66 and the slot 70 that is necessary to separate the elements is blocked. Thus, in order to release the ski look embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 11, it is first necessary to rotate the skis relative to each other through an arc sufiicient to move the lock panels 60 and 61 out of alignment with each other. Then, the pin 66 may be moved along the slot 70 to separate the elements 54 and 56.

As a final step, a suitable lock, such as the padlock 80 may be looped through the straps a of the ski poles 5 and then around the lock panel and through the aligned slots 60a, 61a, and then looked so that the elements 54 and 56 are secured against relative rotational movement which is necessary to separate them.

In FIGS. 12,13 and 14, we illustrate a form of lock wherein brackets 80 and 81, each with slots 83, are secured to the sides of skis 84 and 85, respectively, by means of screws or the like 82. It will be noted that the bracket 81 on the ski 85 is ofiset outward at 87 (FIG. 14) in order to accommodate the brackets 81 on the ski 84 between them. In operation of this embodiment, the skis 84 and 85 are arranged so that the brackets 80 and 81 are disposed side by side with slots 83' therein in alignment. Then a coupling tongue 90 having a stop head 92 is in: sorted through the aligned slots 83 to hold the skisto get-her. A series of holes 94'are provided in the intera looked tongue so that a suitable lock 96 may be inserted in the selected hole depending upon the widths of the skis. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the brackets and 81 on each ski are offset from each other lengthwise of the ski so that when the coupling tongue is inserted the skis will automatically assume the desired cri'ss-cross relationship.

In the embodiment of FIG. 15 a mounting plate 98 on one element 100 is provided with screw holes 98a and a pair of upwardly and oppositely extending tabs or ears 102 that are receivable in accommodating receptacles 104 in each of a pair of brackets 106 which are also provided with screw holes 106a. The receptacles 104 in the upper brackets are arranged in spaced relationship as shown so that the ears or tabs will fit between them. Thus, the receptacles may be inserted over the oppositely extending ears by positioning them, as shown, parallel to the sides of the tabs or ears 102. Then, the ski on which the brackets 106 are mounted may be rotated relative to the other ski until the oppositely extending tabs are received in the receptacles and the interlock panels on the complementary elements are in alignment. As in other embodiments, a lock may be inserted in the aligned slots 108a and 110a to prevent further rotation of the lock elements, thus securing them against rotation.

While this invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments thereof other modifications and changes therein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

Having described our invention, we claim:

1. A ski lock comprising:

a pair of interengageable, elements,

said elements being movable in parallel planes relative to each other between separable and locking positions while in mutual engagement,

said elements being separable when in said separable position and inseparable when in said locking position, locking means for position, and

means securing each of said elements onto one of a pair of skis, said elements being disposed on said skis so so that said skis are in a converging relationship when said elements are in said locking position.

2. A ski lock device comprising:

first and second interengageable elements each secured to a flat surface of one of a pair of skis,

means on said elements permitting relative movement thereof while mutually engaged, said movement being in planes generally parallel to said fiat surfaces of the skis between a coupling position wherein they are in overlapping relationship and a position wherein they are disengagea-ble,

said elements being separable when in said disengageable position by movement of said skis apart in directions generally transverse to said fiat surfaces, and

locking means for engaging and holding said elements in said coupling position. 3. The ski lock device defined by claim Z'including: slide means on one of said elements, and complementary slideway means on the other or said elements confining said relative movement of said slide means to a lineal path, 7

said slide and slideway means being displaced along said lineal path when said releasing elements are in said disengage-able position.

4. The ski lock device defined by claim 2 a raised portion on one of said elements,

an opening formed in said raised portion,

' a male member on the other of said elements disposed to enter said opening upon placement of said flat surfaces in juxtaposition, and

means on said raised portion restricting movement of holding said elements in said locking including:

said male member when extended into said opening generally to a plane parallel to said fiat surfaces.

5. The ski lock device defined by claim 4 wherein:

said raised portion has an upper surface generally parallel to said flat surface of the ski to which said one element is attached,

said opening being located in said upper surface and a slot of restricted width extending from said opensaid male member comprising a pin depending from said other element, and including an enlarged head on said pin of a size and shape to fit into said opening but too large to pass through said slot.

6. The ski lock device defined by claim 5 including:

blocking members preventing said pin from moving along said slot from the end thereof remote from said opening.

7. The ski lock device defined by claim 6 wherein:

said locking means secure said blocking members together.

8. A ski lock device comprising:

first and second elements, each secured to one of a pair of skis,

said first element including a bracket secured to a flat surface of a ski and an extension integral therewith disposed parallel to said flat surface,

said second element including a bracket secured to a fiat surface of the other ski and an open end receptacle integral therewith disposed parallel to said surface of the other ski and adapted to receive said extension, and

means interlocking said elements when said extension is engaged in said receptacle.

9. A ski lock device comprising:

first and second interengageable elements each secured to a flat surface on one of a pair of skis,

means on said elements permitting relative movement thereof while mutually engaged, said movement being in planes generally parallel to said flat surfaces of the skis between a coupling position and a position wherein they are disengageable,

said elements being separable when in said disengageable position by movement of said skis apart in directions generally transverse to said flat surfaces,

locking means for engaging and holding said elements in said coupling position,

a raised portion on one of said elements having an open end,

opposing side walls and a top panel generally parallel to the fiat surface of the ski to which said one element is attached,

a male member on the other of said elements comprising a panel extension on said other element generally parallel to the flat surface of the ski to which said other element is attached,

said extension being of a width to fit between said side walls and being opposed by said top panel when disposed between said side walls, and

complementary means on said elements in juxtaposition when said extension is so disposed,

said complementary means being secured together by said locking means.

10. A ski lock device comprising:

first and second interengageable elements each secured to a flat surface of one of a pair of skis,

means on said elements permitting relative movement thereof while mutually engaged, said movement being in planes generally parallel to said flat surfaces of the skis between a coupling position and a position wherein they are disengagelable,

said elements being separable when in said disengageable position by movement of said skis apart in directions generally transverse to said fiat surfaces,

a raised portion on one of said elements comprising a pair of receptacles each having side walls, a top wall and an open end with the open ends disposed in face to face, spaced relationship,

a male member on the other of said elements comprising a pair of oppositely extending tabs disposed generally parallel to a fiat surface to which said other element is attached,

said tabs being in alignment and of a width to fit between said receptacles but of a combined length to extend under said top walls when said other element is rotated after placement of said tabs between said receptacles, and

locking means for holding said other element in said rotated position.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,133,883 5/1924 Aubert 211- 2,956,813 10/1960 Madden 21160 3,091,011 5/1963 Campbell 58 X 3,113,358 12/1963 Zell et al. 248223 X 3,159,368 12/1964 Ahlbin et al. 248225 FOREIGN PATENTS 816,256 2/ 1937 France. 226,705 7/ 1943 Switzerland.

BOBBY R. GAY, Primary Examiner. 

1. A SKI LOCK COMPRISING: A PAIR OF INTERENGAGEABLE, ELEMENTS, SAID ELEMENTS BEING MOVABLE IN PARALLEL PLANES RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER BETWEEN SEPARABLE AND LOCKINJG POSITIONS WHILE IN MUTUAL ENGAGEMENT, SAID LEMENTS BEING SEPARABLE WHEN IN SAID SEPARABLE POSITION AND INSEPARABLE WHEN IN SAID LOCKING POSITION, LOCKING MEANS FOR HOLDING SAID ELEMENT IN SAID LOCKING POSITION, AND MEANS SECURING EACH OF SAID ELEMENTS ONTO ONE OF A PAIR OF SKIS, SAID ELEMENTS BEING DISPOSED ON SAID SKIS SO SO THAT SAID SKIS ARE IN A CONVERGING RELATIONSHIP WHEN SAID ELEMENTS IN IN SAID LOCKING POSITION. 